Visuals are a great tool to help with student comprehension as well as make for a more exciting class. Unfortunately, not all classrooms are equipped for this type of learning but most schools will have a multi-media room that can be utilized on an “as needed” basis. In addition, the presentation could involve graphics and images using less technology based methods.

Multimedia is various combinations of text, graphics, sound, video and animation. It can be controlled, coordinated and delivered on a computer screen and implies interactivity which means the user is engaged in the presentation of information. In addition, multi-media can act as a more ‘capable peer’ as well as be a tool for student-student and student-teacher interaction. It can lead to more collaborative learning experiences while allowing students to learn with multi-media or from multi-media.

The brain recognizes much more in the visual cortex where our visual memory is located. Comprehension can often only occur after students are able to construct a mental image of what is meant. Once the student forms a mental image, then the concept is ‘understood’. Therefore, the more visual we make learning, the greater the amount of subject matter that can be memorized and retained.

Visual Learning and multi-media lessons can be very time consuming with regards to teacher preparation. Luckily, there are lots of resources online from corporations as well as fellow teachers. Here are some great sites for multi-media and pre-made PowerPoint lessons:
TotalESL.com Education Page
PBSKids
EdTech
Teacher Powerpoints
Jefferson County Schools


I am sure there are many more but this should get you started.

Please click here to view an online presentation regarding Visual Learning

Michael Hines is the founder of http://www.TotalESL.com, a free resource helping the ESL/EFL community in Asia and the Middle East for jobs, resumes, schools, resources, yellow pages, classifieds, information and lessons.

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